Niche perfumes – scents produced in small batches and only available at a handful of specialist shops – are becoming quite the rage. This makes perfect sense: perfume is one of the most personal beauty products that allows you to define who you are or who you want to be.
I was recently introduced to Rancé 1795, a French niche perfume brand. I have three samples from the Collection Impériale, inspired by the women in the life of emperor Napoleon, and I wanted to share my first impressions with you.
Laetitia
Inspired by the emperor’s mother, this is a strong scent that mixes floral and spicy notes including Bergamot, Rose, Magnolia and Nutmeg. This is not my fragrance: I find it too strong and overpowering. It starts with a heavy patchouli scent that is way too much for me and although it settles into something a little softer I just can’t get over the initial hit of spice.
Elise
Elise is much lighter: a fresh floral scent. This perfume combines Neroli with citrus tones like mandarin and warmer scents like patchouli and vanilla. It reminds me a little of a grown up version of Dior’s J’adore. This is much more delicate than Laetitia and I quite liked it…until I wore this on Mother’s day. My brother insisted I (and I quote): “smelled funny”. I still quite like it, but my family unanimously decided it was weird. Might be something to do with my body chemistry and the citrus in the perfume: I have noticed citrus in perfume tends to do develop weirdly on my skin.
Hélène
Last but certainly not least is Hélène. This is a sweet floral perfume composed of neroli, ylang ylang, and jasmine with a slightly spicy undertones produced by cinnamon and cardamon. Certainly not your average floral scent. Unfortunately, this is the lightest of the three and it fades rather quickly on me. Definitely my favorite scent, but I expect a perfume to last a little longer than this.
Testing these niche perfumes by Rancé 1795 was very interesting. I love the complexity of the perfumes and the fact that they were all rather different from scents I have tried before. I will definitely be visiting some niche perfumeries to see if I can find my perfect perfume there! How about you: ever tried niche perfumes before?
Thanks for sharing Rancé 1975. Andy and I’ll be in Paris at the beginning of next month, so I’ll keep my eyes open for their shop. We’re big niche/artisanal-perfum fans. I love the idea behind this line. :o)
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Oh how nice! Paris is always lovely 🙂
The idea behind it is great and I would definitely recommend sampling the perfumes 😀
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did you managed to find that niche perfume store you told me about lovely?
I’m so happy you enjoy them! 😉 xx
Annie | Annie’s Beauty
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They are just lovely 🙂
I did! Not the most convenient location, but I’ll just borrow a car and drive there 🙂 Still trying to finish a pile of testers and old perfume first though.
xxx Anne
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I’m so in the mood for a new summery perfume but I also have a pile of testers and barely used bottles that I struggle with!
*sighs*
still want a new one though! 😛
xx
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Oh I know! Sometimes you just really want a new perfume. But I really must get through some of these old ones first 😦
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same here! the shop I always get my perfumes from Beautika ( both the in-store and online ) always give you amazing testers and unbelievably many! LOL so I’m definitely set for a while! :D:D:D xx
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I know, I checked my tester drawer after our conversation and I really need to start giving away the ones I don’t like to clear it out a little xxx Anne
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I did that too but still have too many! 😀
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so glad i found your site
Lovely xo
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Aww thanks 🙂 That’s too sweet of you.
xxx Anne
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❤
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These all sound lovely! I’ve never really been into perfume that much, but I may have to try these ♥
Amy xx
Little Moon Dragon
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Elise* 🙂
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Hihi, sort of still my favorite as well
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Interesting! Despite the comments you received, Elsie sounds quite nice.
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Are these the full size or just testers? They look so small. From what you describe I think Elise would be my favorite!
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They are just testers 🙂 I love being able to try out different perfumes without having to buy the full size 🙂
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